New Zealand Lawmakers Urged To Repeal Law Allowing Abortion On Teens Without Parents' Consent

A New Zealander’s law and ethics essay on teen abortion law was awarded second place in an academic writing competition. The masters law student from Otago University argues that parents of young pregnant teens should be involved in the abortion decision.

New research suggests that pregnant teenagers are not prepared to understand the implications of an abortion, reports Stuff. Michael Morrison said in his paper published in the Asian Bioethics Review that the parents of pregnant teenagers should consent to the abortion. He called the current abortion law as “clumsy” as it allows teens to have the procedure done without the consent of their parents.

Morrison, whose paper won second place in the international ABR Essay contest, argued that the current abortion law should be repealed since New Zealand is relying on “an ancient piece of legislation.” Under New Zealand law, children below 16 years old will need to have the parent’s permission to undergo medical procedures. However, the exception to the rule applies to abortions.

The abortion law in the country allows abortion for girls for as long as they are “sexually mature.” Morrison said New Zealand’s abortion law took effect in 1977 before medical experts have a different understanding of how a teenager’s brain works.

The award-winning student added that international experts have agreed on the fact that the brain only develops the ability to understand a decision between the ages of 14 and 17. Morrison’s research said about 50 girls aged between 11 and 14 undergo abortion every year. For girls 15 to 19 years of age, about 2,000 abortions happen in a year.

Morrison believes those who don’t tell their parents may not understand the long-term consequences of abortion. He said the “child” might be trying to process a crucial decision alone. As suggested by research, Morrison said the idea of parents being part of the decision to have an abortion is something teenagers would want.

He urged New Zealand lawmakers to repeal the teen abortion law and review the age of consent to medical procedures. Morrison said the different ages of teens and their corresponding level of maturity should also be considered.

However, Quentin Abraham, a psychologist who works with teens, said he would be cautious in calling for a review of the law since previous reports have indicated that abortion rates have declined in the country. He said there is insufficient information to determine if a problem exists.

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